New findings released today reveal that mothers continue to shoulder the bulk of caregiving responsibilities at home—despite the rise in flexible working arrangements. In response, Charlotte Sloan, Legal Director in the Employment Team at Birketts LLP, is urging employers to do more to support all working parents, regardless of gender.

“It is interesting, although not altogether unsurprising, that the survey findings highlight a gender imbalance in caregiving responsibilities—even in the era of increased flexible working,” Sloan said.

To better support working parents and promote equality in the workplace, Sloan recommends that employers take proactive steps to raise awareness of the rights and benefits available to all employees, particularly those with dependants.

“One often overlooked right,” she explains, “is the statutory right to reasonable unpaid time off for dependants. This covers a range of situations, including providing assistance if a dependant is ill, arranging care for an ill dependant, or dealing with unexpected incidents involving a child during school hours.”

Sloan suggests that organisations that actively promote available leave options and normalise their use—irrespective of gender or working hours—are more likely to see a balanced uptake between fathers and mothers. Providing enhanced family leave benefits and ensuring inclusive family policies can further encourage equal participation in caregiving responsibilities.

“It’s also worth noting,” she adds, “that employment tribunals do recognise that caregiving responsibilities statistically fall more often to women. This can be particularly relevant in cases involving indirect discrimination claims.”

To avoid inadvertently disadvantaging a particular gender, Sloan advises employers to regularly review their flexible working and family support policies to ensure they are equitable, inclusive, and accessible to all.

As the conversation around workplace equity evolves, so too must employer practices—placing greater emphasis on shared responsibility, informed support, and structural change that benefits all working families.